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Aug 26, 2014

Weapons of Choice: AR - The Multi-Use Weapon

The
AR-15/16 is the weapon of choice of armies and sport shooters around
the globe. It is versatile and with certain configurations makes the
top choice in home defense. It's light weight, reliability and easy
field breakdown features has won the hearts and minds of US military
personnel for decades – outperforming and selling the more
economical AK-47. In rural areas, it has become a favorite predator
and varmint control rifle and homestead defense weapon.

With
all the build configurations available today, it can be confusing as
to making a choice of how to configure your stock AR-15.

Today's
soldier has many great features over the M16-A2 rifle I used when
serving in the US Army; however, use and tactics have pretty much
been carried through over the years.

Hurricane
Katrina was a lesson in the need for home defense when disaster
strikes; but at the same time, it is a lesson on how the government
can throw out Second Amendment rights at will. If your family is
faced with a mob of criminals with intent to loot and other evil
actions, an AR-style rifle with a few magazines, especially large
capacity, can certainly be a blessing and life/property saver –
more so than a shotgun or handgun.

But
the firearm owner is faced with a myriad of configurations that can
be perplexing and difficult to decide what makes the best AR for
multiple uses. This is where the military's adage, “Keep It Simple
Stupid” (KISS) comes into play.

M4 Carbine

AR
rifles have been traditionally been related to Armalite (the one who
developed it) and Colt (the one who won the military contract); but
includes many brands and configurations – to include the M4 carbine
popular with Rangers and Special Forces personnel beginning in the
Vietnam War to today. The shorter barrel and configuration means it
is easier to handle in confined spaces, something to consider when
shopping for a home defense rifle.

Based
upon statistics, experience and real-life situations, this article
presents guidelines and tips in that line of thought.

First,
remember, adding several nifty features to your rifle will also add
to its complexity; so for marksmanship and knowledge of your weapon –
practice frequently at your local range or on your rural property. Do
not think that you need to have a light match trigger pull – the
military pull is set for practicality. The pull weight of your
trigger system should be around 4 lbs. Never less than 3 lbs.

A
match grade barrel is not needed, just an added expense; unless you
want to enter competition matches. The average working distance for
home defense would be less than 30 feet. I also advise that your
barrel be rated for the military ammunition, whether you choose to
use 5.56x45mm NATO or 7.62x51mm NATO. This will allow the versatility
of using either .223 or 5.56mm (or 7.62mm/.308). Since your home
defense weapon should be versatile, I recommend the rifle be
chambered for 7.62mm/.308, so you can use it for hunting as well.
Turnbull Manufacturing
offers an AR-15 platform chambered for 7.62x39mm, the AK-47 round,
for those seeking hunting firepower at a cheaper price than 7.62
NATO. Turnbull's model is unique in that the AR platform has a Black
Walnut stock, grip and fore-end (urethane or oil finish) with its
famous Turnbull bone charcoal bluing process for the receiver. With
Picatinny rail, oversized trigger guard for gloved finger, hard case,
5/10 round magazine and screw-on muzzle brake, 16” 7.62x39 barrel
(20” barrel extra charge) has a MRSP of $2750, not including a
scope. Muzzle flash suppressor/muzzle brake is essential to reduce
muzzle flash to prevent messing up your night vision.

If
your AR has the original carry-handle upper receiver, consider
replacing it with an A3 flattop upper receiver so you can mount
optics, custom sights and other accessories.

Replace
extractor springs with those from Wolff Gunsprings
or Brownells.
I purchase almost exclusively with Brownells for gunsmith tools,
parts and accessories; never regretting the quality. However, you can
shop around to get the best price – but do not compromise on
quality.

Bilateral
safety levers (ambidextrous) is a good addition, as well as an
extended charging handle. Handgrips might be considered, but it might
make the rifle more bulky. Some handgrips offer a light or laser
built in, which provides useful enhancement.

The
handguard should have Picatinny rail sections for adding accessories.
If you do not like grasping the Picatinny rail handguard, rail covers
are available.

A
sling could be useful if your going to carry a rifle, especially when
performing actions that require two hands. It could get in the way
during a home defense situation. I advise choosing the
two-/three-point sling where the rifle will hand conveniently and
ready for any required action; yet not get in the way – if you
choose to install a sling.

Bipods
are great for the range or in combat from a fixed defensive position
– but would be detrimental to movement for home defense. I still
have my M3 spring-loaded bipod that clips quickly on/off the barrel,
to include the canvas carrying case that has a zippered pouch to put
tools/parts or cleaning rods. I still have my custom canvas carrying
case that protected my rifle from blowing sand in Arabia/Persian
Gulf.

A
collapsible buttstock makes it easier for storage and carrying.

As
far as ammunition, I would suggest sticking with the military spec
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) ammunition – the same goes for those with
the 7.62mm NATO configuration.

Quality
and properly fitted magazines prevents feeding issues as well as
installing heavier extraction springs. You can retrofit military
surplus mags with better springs and anti-tilt followers. Ejection
issues (short-stroking) can be resolved by switching to a lighter
buffer and/or buffer spring; especially if you choose to fire
commercial ammunition. Remember, never fire commercial ammunition
from barrels/chambers designed for military ammunition. For example,
never fire 7.62 NATO cartridges in an AR designated to fire .223
Remington cartridges.

Your
AR15 is designed to take abuse; however, do not allow dirt buildup,
propellant residue or carbon in the chamber, gas tube, upper
receiver, bolt locking recess, et cetera. Keep it clean and ready to
use.

Sights
and scopes are something that must be considered, but keep in mind
you want the rifle to be for multi-use. Tritium front post and rear
sight aperture like offered by Trijicon
or XS Sight Systems is an excellent choice. The quick aim red dot
system like the military uses is excellent for quick aiming at
shorter ranges than scopes offer. Reflex sights
are what you will be looking for.

Lights
mounted on firearms are one of the first things people think of for
home defense; but remember this: the assailant will use the light
source as a target. If you choose to install a light, make sure it is
easily accessible to turn on and off. Laser beams are excellent for
target acquisition in the darkness – or daytime close range. It
certainly would scare an assailant if he knows a laser beam is
targeted on his person.

As
far as ammunition, it does not need to be powerful loads. Indeed,
using rifle ammunition in an indoor defense situation increases
over-penetration, injuring/killing a person or pet beyond the walls
and doors.

Above
all, purchasing the ideal home defense and all-round utility rifle is
not the only thing you should be concerned with. Training with it in
firearm safety, proper firearm handling, shooting techniques and
weapon familiarization required in any defense situation.

A
good place to start would be the NRA Basic Rifle Course. For those
who are well-trained, like military veterans, the need for practice
cannot be overemphasized or taken for granted. Constant training over
and over is essential so when real combat situations occur, little
thinking is required – which means a person will react better under
stress.

When
you target practice at the range, do not just practice with long
distance; but at 10 ft and 15 ft distances in a quick fire situation
(directly at the hip without raising to eye for sighting). If
possible, conduct your training drills at night as well as daytime,
using an unloaded gun when reenacting what may happen to need to be
done in a home defense situation. Practice the use of cover and
remember if the assailant(s) are firing back, how thin home walls
are.

You
can outfit your rifle with training equipment that modifies firearms
so that when the trigger is squeezed a flash of red or green lot is
emitted from the barrel each time the trigger is pulled (without
cocking the hammer). Next Level Training offers
such a system.

And
as a last tip, ensure you have an adequate home-security system of
some sort, along with your configured AR-15. Go over escape and evade
plans with the family. Practice fire control – meaning know what
and where your target is. Police and military are constantly training
for recognition targeting between friend and foe; which lessens the
chance of friendly fire – injuring or killing innocent bystanders.
Keep in mind where those bullets will travel. That is where practice
and proper planning counts. No person in their right mind look
forward to a firefight, but being prepared and trained makes the odds
of surviving markedly increased. And, remember, even justified deadly
force in a civilian environment is a traumatic experience and could
be costly in terms of judicial matters. Using a weapon in self
defense requires a preliminary hearing to lawfully determine
justification in most circumstances. Even law enforcement officers
who are forced to use their weapon require a formal or informal
hearing to ensure justified actions have occurred.

Above
all, be a safe and responsible firearm owner – respect law
enforcement and be their partner in deterring crime and not a
liability.

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